CXCL8, IL-1β and sCD200 are pro-inflammatory cytokines and their levels increase in the circulation of breast carcinoma patients.

The influence of biomarkers on carcinogenesis has been investigated extensively. Whether they promote carcinogenesis or work against cancer development remains to be elucidated. To the best of our knowledge, the novel molecule cluster of differentiation 200 (CD200) has not been studied on human breast cancer subjects. The present study aimed to evaluate interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), cancer antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3) and the soluble CD200 (sCD200) levels in the serum samples of breast carcinoma patients in order to predict their role in breast carcinoma. The subjects included individuals with early and advanced stage breast cancers, as well as healthy controls. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to measure the serum concentrations of sCD200, IL-1β, CXCL8, CA 15.3, C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count. A total of 130 subjects were recruited; 50 early stage cancer, 50 advanced stage and 30 control subjects. Serum sCD200, CXCL8, IL-1β and CRP levels were significantly higher in the early as well as the advanced stage breast cancer patients compared to the control group. The level of CA 15.3 was statistically different between early and advanced stage. There were significant positive correlations between IL-1β and CXCL8, and IL-1β and serum sCD200 levels in the control group. These correlations did not persist in the early or the advanced stage cancer groups except CRP and CA 15.3, but new correlations appeared between serum sCD200 level and leukocyte count for advanced stage breast cancer group. Multivariate regression correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between IL-1β and sCD200; and IL-1β and CXCL8. In conclusion, sCD200, CXCL8, CA 15.3 and IL-1β are proinflammatory molecules and their levels are influenced in breast cancer patients.